they teased out the idea that sanity
comes with a price,
affordable and reasonable –
the fine print reminded her
that even in the direst of straits,
there is always a monger to be found;

enriched in the insanity of reality
where people are still human, left behind
in the realm of possibility and change
there are fingers grasping for
just one chance, one more turn
never to be seen, always the carrot and stick

type As stepping over type Bs
a morose air in the way they lift their leg
and watch as the rest fall away,
destined for dealings unknown
and contracts never fulfilled.